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Best of Enemies
“A man should never turn down two things. Sex, and appearing on television."
1968 – a year of protest that divided America. As two men fight to become the next President, all eyes are on the battle between two others: the cunningly conservative William F Buckley Jr., and the iconoclastic liberal Gore Vidal.
Beliefs are challenged and slurs slung as these political idols feud nightly in a new television format, debating the moral landscape of a shattered nation. Little do they know they're about to open up a new frontier in American politics, and transform television news forever...
Best of Enemies is the bold new play by James Graham (Quiz, Labour of Love), directed by Jeremy Herrin, inspired by the documentary by Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon.
This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at London's Young Vic, December 2021.
1968 – a year of protest that divided America. As two men fight to become the next President, all eyes are on the battle between two others: the cunningly conservative William F Buckley Jr., and the iconoclastic liberal Gore Vidal.
Beliefs are challenged and slurs slung as these political idols feud nightly in a new television format, debating the moral landscape of a shattered nation. Little do they know they're about to open up a new frontier in American politics, and transform television news forever...
Best of Enemies is the bold new play by James Graham (Quiz, Labour of Love), directed by Jeremy Herrin, inspired by the documentary by Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon.
This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at London's Young Vic, December 2021.
128 pages, Paperback
Published March 24, 2022
About the author
James Graham
22 books7 followersJames Graham is a multi award-winning playwright and screenwriter.
His play This House gained critical acclaim, enjoyed a sell-out run at the National Theatre's Olivier in 2013 and its 2017 West End revival was Olivier-nominated. It was chosen by popular vote as the best play of the 2010's by Methuen Drama.
James created theatre history when his two plays Ink, about the early days of Rupert Murdoch, and Labour of Love, a romantic political comedy, played in theatres next to each other in the West End in 2017. James won an Olivier award in 2018 for Labour of Love and Ink transferred to Broadway in 2019, receiving six Tony award nominations.
James' play The Vote (Donmar Warehouse) aired in real time on TV in the final 90 minutes of the 2015 polling day and was BAFTA-nominated. His most recent television film, Brexit: An Uncivil War (Channel 4/HBO) is nominated for a 2019 Emmy Award.
His play This House gained critical acclaim, enjoyed a sell-out run at the National Theatre's Olivier in 2013 and its 2017 West End revival was Olivier-nominated. It was chosen by popular vote as the best play of the 2010's by Methuen Drama.
James created theatre history when his two plays Ink, about the early days of Rupert Murdoch, and Labour of Love, a romantic political comedy, played in theatres next to each other in the West End in 2017. James won an Olivier award in 2018 for Labour of Love and Ink transferred to Broadway in 2019, receiving six Tony award nominations.
James' play The Vote (Donmar Warehouse) aired in real time on TV in the final 90 minutes of the 2015 polling day and was BAFTA-nominated. His most recent television film, Brexit: An Uncivil War (Channel 4/HBO) is nominated for a 2019 Emmy Award.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 14, 2022
4.5, rounded down.
Graham basically took the template created by Peter Morgan for Frost/Nixon, and slotted in the 1968 political convention debates of Buckley and Vidal. At least 1/3 of the play - and the most riveting sections - are verbatim transcripts of what aired live. That's not to slight Graham's contribution and accomplishments - he's a master craftsman and the play, I am sure, plays extremely well (it has been a huge hit in the UK, recently re-opening in London).
There was a lot of controversy over the fact a black actor was cast as Buckley - I would have to reserve judgement till seeing that performance, but it does seem odd, especially since James Baldwin and Aretha Franklin are also characters in the play. Hope it eventually gets a proshot, so I can see it for myself.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/13/th...
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/202...
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2...
https://variety.com/2021/legit/review...
https://www.timeout.com/london/theatr...
https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/th...
Graham basically took the template created by Peter Morgan for Frost/Nixon, and slotted in the 1968 political convention debates of Buckley and Vidal. At least 1/3 of the play - and the most riveting sections - are verbatim transcripts of what aired live. That's not to slight Graham's contribution and accomplishments - he's a master craftsman and the play, I am sure, plays extremely well (it has been a huge hit in the UK, recently re-opening in London).
There was a lot of controversy over the fact a black actor was cast as Buckley - I would have to reserve judgement till seeing that performance, but it does seem odd, especially since James Baldwin and Aretha Franklin are also characters in the play. Hope it eventually gets a proshot, so I can see it for myself.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/13/th...
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/202...
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2...
https://variety.com/2021/legit/review...
https://www.timeout.com/london/theatr...
https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/th...
October 26, 2023
Graham depicts a key point in the rise of a new media and politics. He suggests the left won the cultural war, the right won the political one, and polarization is bad for all of us.
May 20, 2026
Part of reading play a day . This was brilliant piece and dramatisation of the 1968 television debates between William F Buckley and Gore Vidal. The play is set during a time where USA politics was heated and explores the clash between these individuals. This debate changed television and political history . During the 1960 America was dealing with the Vietnam war and civil rights movement as well as the assassinations of both Martin Luther king and president JFK and his bother Robert Kennedy. This debate on television got the viewership up.
March 17, 2025
Žodis Cunt pirmą kartą televizijoj tik 1999?
Bet ah Graham ah ah ak
Bet ah Graham ah ah ak
May 21, 2023
like usual i am absolutely blown away by the choreography and performance put together by these writers. by far one of my favourite periods in history, an extremely interesting and outstanding reenactment.
It was absolutely genius to come up with a play that delves into the contentious 1968 television debates between conservative commentator William F. Buckley Jr. and liberal writer Gore Vidal. Maybe a very niche idea, but also a very important one.
The debate show in question refers to the series of televised debates between conservative commentator William F. Buckley Jr. and liberal writer Gore Vidal, which aired on ABC News during the 1968 American presidential election. These debates were a groundbreaking television event, designed to boost the network's ratings by showcasing intense ideological clashes. The debates were notable for their sharp, often heated exchanges, culminating in a notorious moment where Vidal called Buckley a "crypto-Nazi," prompting Buckley to respond with a homophobic slur and a threat of physical violence (make debate TV great again). These debates marked a significant shift in political discourse, highlighting the emerging trend of infotainment and the power of television in shaping public opinion- and which is today many peoples main source of information about what political parties stand for and what debates are currently happening.
At its core, Best of Enemies is about the power of media and the polarisation of political discourse. The play highlights how television has transformed political debates into spectacles, prioritising entertainment value and confrontation over substantive discussion. This theme is particularly relevant today, given the current media landscape's emphasis on sensationalism and divisive rhetoric.
The characters of Buckley and Vidal are meticulously crafted, each representing opposing worldviews. Their debates are not just about politics but also about the clash of personalities and the battle for intellectual dominance. They hated not just each others politics, but also each other and their lifestyles on a basic level. They were completely different people who couldn’t even stand to be in the same room as each other. Graham’s writing brilliantly captures their wit, intelligence, and the underlying animosity that drives their exchanges.
The play delves into the behind-the-scenes machinations of the television networks and the strategic decisions that shaped the debates. These scenes provide context and insight into the media's role in shaping public opinion and the emerging trend of infotainment. It also prompts reflection on the nature of intellectual debate and the importance of engaging with opposing viewpoints. It challenges audiences to consider the value of reasoned discourse in an increasingly fragmented and adversarial public sphere.
The production of Best of Enemies excels in its staging and performances. The set design effectively recreates the 1960s television studio environment, complete with period-accurate props and costumes that enhance the authenticity of the portrayal. The use of multimedia elements, such as projected archival footage and live camera feeds, adds a dynamic and immersive quality to the production.
It was absolutely genius to come up with a play that delves into the contentious 1968 television debates between conservative commentator William F. Buckley Jr. and liberal writer Gore Vidal. Maybe a very niche idea, but also a very important one.
The debate show in question refers to the series of televised debates between conservative commentator William F. Buckley Jr. and liberal writer Gore Vidal, which aired on ABC News during the 1968 American presidential election. These debates were a groundbreaking television event, designed to boost the network's ratings by showcasing intense ideological clashes. The debates were notable for their sharp, often heated exchanges, culminating in a notorious moment where Vidal called Buckley a "crypto-Nazi," prompting Buckley to respond with a homophobic slur and a threat of physical violence (make debate TV great again). These debates marked a significant shift in political discourse, highlighting the emerging trend of infotainment and the power of television in shaping public opinion- and which is today many peoples main source of information about what political parties stand for and what debates are currently happening.
At its core, Best of Enemies is about the power of media and the polarisation of political discourse. The play highlights how television has transformed political debates into spectacles, prioritising entertainment value and confrontation over substantive discussion. This theme is particularly relevant today, given the current media landscape's emphasis on sensationalism and divisive rhetoric.
The characters of Buckley and Vidal are meticulously crafted, each representing opposing worldviews. Their debates are not just about politics but also about the clash of personalities and the battle for intellectual dominance. They hated not just each others politics, but also each other and their lifestyles on a basic level. They were completely different people who couldn’t even stand to be in the same room as each other. Graham’s writing brilliantly captures their wit, intelligence, and the underlying animosity that drives their exchanges.
The play delves into the behind-the-scenes machinations of the television networks and the strategic decisions that shaped the debates. These scenes provide context and insight into the media's role in shaping public opinion and the emerging trend of infotainment. It also prompts reflection on the nature of intellectual debate and the importance of engaging with opposing viewpoints. It challenges audiences to consider the value of reasoned discourse in an increasingly fragmented and adversarial public sphere.
The production of Best of Enemies excels in its staging and performances. The set design effectively recreates the 1960s television studio environment, complete with period-accurate props and costumes that enhance the authenticity of the portrayal. The use of multimedia elements, such as projected archival footage and live camera feeds, adds a dynamic and immersive quality to the production.
May 19, 2023
Genuinely thrilled and impressed by how this manages to synthesise a single event, its surrounding history, its cultural and social context, a biography of its major players, a psychoanalysis of those same players, a dire warning to modern audiences and a gleeful celebration of elevated forms, all inside an utterly lithe and intensely thrilling couple of hours of theatre.
Especially impressed by how balanced it is. Vidal the obvious winner of the cultural war (though, vitally, not the political one), but Buckley is really the protagonist of the story. It’s his hopes, fears, beliefs and ambitions that we are given greatest access to, with Vidal the smirking antagonist conspiring to trip him up. Buckley is a tragic hero of this story - which is bold for a play written today that climaxes in an explosion of hate-speech.
That’s not to suggest that the play mistreats Vidal. It certainly captures his slithery charm while also suggesting depths and scars conjured through close reading of his most personal writings (the script synthesises direct transcripts, passages of published text from across his oeuvre, and ‘play the hits’ soundbites repurposed as dialogue).
But it’s Buckley’s final assessment of Vidal - as imagined for the play - that has hit me hardest as a lifelong fan (though it’s James Baldwin that sets it up). It’s about the engagement with political, social, and cultural issues in the abstract, as an aesthetic, without skin in the game. It’s about ideology as sport, as competition, as manufactured identity.
The play seems to suggest that Buckley’s hate finds its roots in love, while Vidal’s power grows from apathy.
Such good, complex work. Absolutely loved it.
Especially impressed by how balanced it is. Vidal the obvious winner of the cultural war (though, vitally, not the political one), but Buckley is really the protagonist of the story. It’s his hopes, fears, beliefs and ambitions that we are given greatest access to, with Vidal the smirking antagonist conspiring to trip him up. Buckley is a tragic hero of this story - which is bold for a play written today that climaxes in an explosion of hate-speech.
That’s not to suggest that the play mistreats Vidal. It certainly captures his slithery charm while also suggesting depths and scars conjured through close reading of his most personal writings (the script synthesises direct transcripts, passages of published text from across his oeuvre, and ‘play the hits’ soundbites repurposed as dialogue).
But it’s Buckley’s final assessment of Vidal - as imagined for the play - that has hit me hardest as a lifelong fan (though it’s James Baldwin that sets it up). It’s about the engagement with political, social, and cultural issues in the abstract, as an aesthetic, without skin in the game. It’s about ideology as sport, as competition, as manufactured identity.
The play seems to suggest that Buckley’s hate finds its roots in love, while Vidal’s power grows from apathy.
Such good, complex work. Absolutely loved it.
September 14, 2022
A play as fascinating and as relevant as the documentary it is adapted from.
If you remember either Gore Vidal or William F. Buckley Jr. at all, it is usually as either liberal or conservative examples of fey, upper class political intellectuals. Easily caricatured- especially Buckley who had a fierce mimic in Robin Williams- they stood in for everything that was both right and wrong in wealthy, well-educated wits who tried to speak for an entire nation.
Based on the event in which the two men debated each other on ABC in the late sixties (and the surrounding events that led up to those debates), the play shows both the personal and the far-reaching national consequences of having two opposing personalities debate each other on television presented as a sporting event.
It would be tough technically to stage, but it would a worthy endeavor to try. Loved it.
If you remember either Gore Vidal or William F. Buckley Jr. at all, it is usually as either liberal or conservative examples of fey, upper class political intellectuals. Easily caricatured- especially Buckley who had a fierce mimic in Robin Williams- they stood in for everything that was both right and wrong in wealthy, well-educated wits who tried to speak for an entire nation.
Based on the event in which the two men debated each other on ABC in the late sixties (and the surrounding events that led up to those debates), the play shows both the personal and the far-reaching national consequences of having two opposing personalities debate each other on television presented as a sporting event.
It would be tough technically to stage, but it would a worthy endeavor to try. Loved it.
January 8, 2023
one of few historical pieces of literature ive been interested in
July 5, 2023
even more fun to read than it was to watch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2023
The story of the Vidal-Buckley debates at the 1968 conventions, based on the recent documentary. I would love to see this play live. The stage directions are so vivid, interspersing actual footage or audio with the actors and including famous historical figures of the era from Aretha Franklin to Andy Warhol. It's a fast-paced whirlwind of activity and dialogue until it isn't, which packs a punch. It all feels incredibly relevant in this era of political division. A great play for our time.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews